Junior Academy U9 – U12

MTA Junior Academy U9-U12 Teams – Overview

Ages 7 through 12 are the most critical development years of a soccer player’s career. It is at these ages where the basic fundamental skills of soccer are mastered that allow players to compete and be successful as soccer players at the next level of play and where they develop a true love for the game. This year-round program is designed for players ages 7-12 years old who have a higher level of ability, commitment, and interest level in soccer. This program helps prepare players who aspire to play in the MTA Elite Academy.

MN Thunder Academy Elite have prepared a program that recognizes U9-U12 players. This is designed for players of higher standard and commitment level. We will play & train in a quality environment throughout the winter, spring and summer.

Players work under the guidance of our top-level professional soccer coaches and trainers. We make it a priority that our players are given the right technical foundation that will allow them to compete at the next levels of play (MTA Elite Academy, US Development Academy, ECNL, NPL, MYSA Premier, high school varsity, collegiate, professional).

We instill and foster a deep passion for the game. This passion is what will help drive and motivate the players to work on their technical skills on their own and to compete at the highest levels of play.

Your coach is with you for the entire year; not just some training sessions through the winter and once or twice in the summer. Our coaches stay with their teams through the entire year for both training and games.

The MTA Junior Academy operates within the Twin Cities metro area and practices are primarily held in Richfield. Teams are typically formed for each gender age group (U9-U12). Players ages 6-8 are encouraged to train in our year-round ThunderBolts Development Program.

MTA Junior Academy teams typically participate in 3-4 tournaments per year in addition to league play. It is possible that our top teams at this age may travel to out-of-town tournaments. If this is the case, you will be made aware of this at tryouts.

What Parents Say

MTA provides elite coaching and technical training other clubs cannot match. They also understand how to prepare the kids for the next level.

The kids that gravitate to MTA push each other to be better soccer players while being good people.

The coaching is consistent. It doesn’t matter who the coach is or what level—Each and every coach is teaching the players how to possess the ball and increasing their soccer IQ. We are always please with the methods.

The training, teaching of ball control and footwork, and knowledge of game strategy is hands above community clubs.

Training is great! If you want to play college soccer MTA is heads above everyone else.

As the years go by, our son is growing so much as a player and we are excited for his future with the club

Great coaching staff!

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Challenging every player, at every level, thereby giving an equal opportunity to develop to anyone who wants it.

The coaching and training is excellent as well as the facilities for winter training.

MTA provides a safe and effective training environment. They provide top level coaching for the elite teams and challenge the players to develop their skills.

MTA provides opportunities for soccer players who are very dedicated to the sport through great coaching and playing opportunities.

My son’s coach truly cares about him and every player on his team.

MTA Players Have Represented

About Minnesota Thunder Academy

As a member of the US Soccer Development Academy (DA) and the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), MTA strives to be the top youth soccer development club in the country. MTA has trained some of the brightest young players in the United States who have gone on to play college soccer, professional soccer, and represent their country's youth and senior national teams.